An oil tank blaze that damaged homes is being linked to three other arson attacks in the same area, police sources said.

Fifty firefighters were called in to tackle the inferno at Bracken Avenue in Newcastle, Co Down in the early hours of Monday morning.

Residents of flats on the street had to be moved from their homes during the 3am blaze. Fire chiefs say smoke alarms helped save the people affected and that if the wind had changed the fire would have been much worse.

It is understood the PSNI are linking Monday’s arson attack to other oil tank arsons that occurred in the Bracken Avenue area on November 6, September 20 and July 12.

No one was injured in the blaze that was tackled by nine fire engines, but images of the aftermath show how extensive the fire was.

Four homes were badly damaged and 12 properties evacuated with a number of elderly people among those who had to leave their homes.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service used a high-reach appliance and seven pumps to fight the flames.

People who lived in the four badly damaged flats have been taken to Clare Lodge in the town. The other residents have been able to return to their homes.

He added: “Our local fire fighters were called at 3.20 GMT and they were here in five minutes. I have to praise them, they were able to rescue people and make sure that no-one came to any danger.

“This could have been very different if people had been caught in this fire. If the wind had been in the other direction, it would have engulfed all the flats and we might have had a fatality.”

He said that working smoke alarms played a role in alerting people and he urged the public to ensure that these were installed in their homes.

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said she was “saddened” by the news.

“Some of the elderly residents have had to endure the trauma of a fire and the inconvenience of being evacuated,” she added.

“I have spoken to the Housing Executive’s housing manager... and asked her to ensure that all residents are provided with full care and attention, and that above all they are returned to their properties.”